2004 Cadillac XLR vs. Chrysler Crossfire

In some ways, the differences between the 2004 Chrysler Crossfire and the 2004 Cadillac XLR couldnt be more obvious. Whereas the Crossfire draws from the well of Mercedes-Benz and promotes a rounded, Euro-style stout body, the Cadillac XLR boasts the opposite, with its prominent angular aggressiveness and all-American bravado found in the heart of every Corvette. Common to both is superb performance, luxurious appointments and sex appeal, but which one is for you?

2004 cadillac xlr

Built on the rigid rear-wheel-drive (RWD) platform that also supports Chevrolet's racy Corvette, the new Cadillac XLR sports car wears sharp but clean body forms marked by angular shapes and crisp edges, combined in a sleek package that looks like no other vehicle on the road.

The exterior theme of chiseled forms and angular features extends into the two-person cockpit of XLR, for a contemporary look in a luxurious space, fixed with sculptured bucket seats in leather, and trim work of polished aluminum metal and lacquered hardwoods.

White-on-black analog gauges decorate an instrument cluster sheltered by an arching brow on the dash that extends to a center column of controls over the console, with the screen of an on-board navigation system at the top.

high-tech slant

This high-tech look for the styling of XLR foretells a high-tech slant to the vehicle with a number of noteworthy technical features.

The cruise control for XLR, for instance, is a computerized system with on-board radar. It draws on the Doppler effect in radar to measure the distance to a car ahead in the coupe's path, then adjusts the throttle or applies brakes to maintain a pre-set minimum distance between the two vehicles.

Further, there are motion sensors all over XLR that detect lateral as well as linear slippage of the vehicle and communicate with a computer to magically correct the dangerous movements, without direct steering or braking action from the driver.

This equipment — an upgraded version of a complex computer-based stability control system called StabiliTrak — unites continuously variable road-sensing suspension damping with throttle response, steering force and the anti-lock brake system (ABS).

The navigation system on the dashboard is standard for XLR and integrates a guidance system with Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) reckoning.

Also, the XLR driver may view instruments as reflected off the windshield in a head-up display that depicts digital data indicating the vehicle's speed and compass direction, real-world clock time, and functions of the audio equipment and active cruise control.

And XLR is the first GM vehicle with keyless technology. Just put the car's keyfob in a pocket or purse and the car will recognize you electronically. Driver's door unlocks automatically when you touch the door handle. To start the engine, simply step on the brake pedal and depress the Start button. Turn the engine off with the same button, and as you exit the keyfob will lock the doors.

hardtop to convertible

Even the transformation from hardtop coupe to airy convertible is a high-tech operation.

The conversion event, which consumes less than 30 seconds, drops sideglass windows, lifts the metal lid with electromechanical muscle and tucks it neatly into the trunk, leaving a smooth and flat bonnet trailing integrated roll bars positioned behind seatbacks.

With the hardtop up, XLR's trunk capacity is vast for a roadster — at 11.6 cubic feet, it rivals some mid-size sedans. Dropping the top trims trunk volume to 4.4 cubic feet due to the stowed and pleated top.